File-sharing: Godsend or the death of music? It's great; I love it. It's taken the power away from the record companies and given musicians the ability to promote themselves independently through a direct and effective means. Music revenues might suffer in the short term, but there's a lot more music being heard by a wider range of people — and that can only be a good thing.
Who's on your iPod right now? Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Parliament, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers and a whole bunch of random Motown and '80s R&B.
Parting shot: C'mon, ask around, the Radio Bums got this whole town locked down. Go, Nuggets!
DJ PSYCHO
NOMINATED IN DJ DANCE: HIP-HOP - CLUB/TURNTABLIST
Website: www.myspace.com/djpsychorb
Native or transplant? Denver Native!
Releases/discography: Capone Carmelo Kustoms Vol. 1 and 2; Hard 'N' Da Paint (featuring Ron Artest); Quit Actin Brand New (featuring Rhymefest).
What three adjectives best describe your music? Eclectic, rhythmic, classic.
Favorite place to play a show: The Bluebird Theater.
Favorite place to hang out/drink: The Purple Martini.
Best artist/band to come out of Denver (that's not yours/you): Melissa Lujan.
Best song to come out of Denver (that you didn't write): "Over My Head (Cable Car)" - The Fray.
If you were a street in Denver, which street would it be and why? Raleigh Street, because I grew up on 14th and Raleigh, and that's where my first memories of music began.
If you had to choose one act to represent Denver, who would it be and why? I would have to say Melissa Lujan. She has the talent and a solid team behind her.
Which artist has had the biggest impact on you? Wow — this is tough, because there are too many amazing artists that have influenced my life, but I will say that Nas has had the biggest impact on me.
Which album has had the biggest impact on you? Illmatic - Nas.
File-sharing: Godsend or the death of music? As a professional DJ, it's so nice to have limitless access to music, but I can understand how it's hard for bands to have their music bootlegged so often.
Who's on your iPod right now? I'm a starving DJ; I can't afford an iPod.
Parting shot: "Shampoo is better."
DJ VAJRA
NOMINATED IN DJ DANCE: HIP-HOP - CLUB/TURNTABLISTS
3 P.M., DC 10
Website: www.myspace.com/djvajra
Personnel: Just me.
Native or transplant? Transplant: originally from Indiana, but Colorado is my real home.
Releases/discography: Cuts & Drums Vol.1; Hydef mixtape; Saul Good the Mixtape.
What three adjectives best describe your music? Fun, funky and fresh.
Favorite place to play a show: I've played all over the world, but I can honestly still say the Fox Theatre.
Favorite place to hang out/drink: Round Midnight on Tuesdays.
Best artist/band to come out of Denver (that's not yours/you): Fast4wrd.
Best song to come out of Denver (that you didn't write): ): "LiFEY for tha' WiFEY" - Fast4wrd.
If you were a street in Denver, which street would it be and why? Hopefully, my career will run as long as Colfax! (I'm probably the seventeenth artist to answer with that street.)
If you had to choose one act to represent Denver, who would it be and why? If you are an artist who is only concentrating on being the best in Denver, then that's as far as you will ever get.
Which artist has had the biggest impact on you? All artists impact me in some way, be it positive or negative, but I'll say DJ Q-Bert.
Which album has had the biggest impact on you? Fear of a Black Planet - Public Enemy.
File-sharing: Godsend or the death of music? If you like an artist, you should support them by paying for the music.
Who's on your iPod right now? Music that helps me sleep while sitting upright.
Parting shot: Get involved with something that will affect the world in a positive way. PEACE!!!
DRAG THE RIVER
NOMINATED IN COUNTRY/ALT COUNTRY
Website: www.dragtheriver.com
Native or transplant? Honorary natives.
Releases/discography: It's Crazy (2006); Hobo's Demos (2006); Live at the Starlight (2005); Chicken Demos (2004); Hey Buddies... EP (2004); Closed (2002).
